Nutt: Rugby trailblazers can inspire Old Tiffs footballers

Old Tiffinians chairman Greg Nutt is hoping the club’s football section can follow in the footsteps of their rugby counterparts after landing FA Charter Standard status.

The Old Boys, who play in the AFC Intermediate South Division, join 7,000 other clubs across the country in attaining the award, and they hope it will open up access to greater funding.

And, with Old Tiffs rugby team currently 10 points clear at the top of Surrey Division One after Saturday’s 11-7 win over Old Paulines, Nutt – who took charge four months ago – knows the example his men need to follow.

He said: “When I joined 10 years ago we were getting out seven teams every week. This has now dropped to just three, which is a common trend in old boys’ football.

“Five years ago they [the rugby section] were in the same position, but they’ve turned it around too and their stunning league results reflect that. Hopefully, we can put together a run on the pitch like theirs.”

He added: “Moving forward, achieving the next level of FA standard is definitely a long-term goal for us. But for now we are aiming to keep ourselves above water with the teams we have.

“We’re also trying to re-establish links with the school that we had lost, and try and get a youth team going in partnership with them.”

Old Tiffinians’ rugby men, who have five games left, host third-placed Old Wimbledonians this afternoon.